The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), located in the Sedibeng District of Gauteng, runs a bursary scheme known officially as the Mayoral Bursary Fund.

The Mayoral Bursary Fund aims to assist young residents of the ELM area who plan to pursue tertiary education. 

The policy guiding the bursary was amended and approved in December 2022.

In recent years, the municipality reports that in the 2025/2026 financial year, 30 students were approved and signed contracts.

The scheme is active and has not been stated as discontinued.

Who can apply for the Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary?

These are the eligibility requirements:

  1. Must be a South African citizen and a resident of the Emfuleni Local Municipality area.
  2. Must be entering full-time undergraduate study (first year) at a recognised South African institution.
  3. Must have achieved a minimum average of 60% in Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent.
  4. Must study in one of the fields listed by the municipality (commerce, human & social sciences, law, science & technology, technical skills such as electrical or civil engineering) or any scarce/critical skill identified by ELM.
  5. Household combined income must typically be less than R350,000 per annum.
  6. Preference is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds registered on the municipality’s indigent database.
  7. Preference is given to students enrolling at local institutions of higher learning, followed by institutions nearby (e.g., Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Gauteng) as noted in prior years.

What does the bursary cover?

Public sources say that the bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, books, and may, in some cases, cover accommodation and meals depending on need.

The policy amendment in 2022 also allows for postgraduate funding and partnership with the private sector to increase funding.

Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary Application process

Emfuleni Local Municipality Offices and all its public libraries during working hours.

You can download the forms from the Emfuleni website: www.emfuleni.gov.za

Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary Closing Date

Applications are open from 1st October – 28th November 2025 at 16:00.

FAQs

1. What is the Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary?
The Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary is a financial aid program that helps students from the Emfuleni area who need support to pursue tertiary education at accredited institutions in South Africa.
2. Who can apply for the Emfuleni bursary?
It is open to South African citizens who live within the Emfuleni Local Municipality boundaries and have been accepted to study full-time at a recognized institution.
3. What fields of study are funded?
Funding usually targets fields that benefit the municipality, such as engineering, public administration, finance, environmental science, and community development.
4. How can students apply for the bursary?
Application forms are typically available from the Emfuleni Local Municipality offices or its official website during the annual application window.
5. When do applications open?
Applications usually open toward the end of each year for funding in the following academic year. Applicants should check official notices from the municipality.
6. What documents are required?
Applicants must provide certified copies of their ID, academic records, proof of residence, proof of income or affidavit, and a letter of acceptance from a tertiary institution.
7. Does the bursary cover full tuition?
The bursary generally covers tuition and may include a contribution toward study materials, depending on available funding and applicant performance.
8. How are recipients selected?
Selections are based on academic performance, financial need, and alignment with the municipality’s development priorities.
9. Can the bursary be renewed each year?
Yes, students who maintain good academic standing may apply for renewal each academic year, subject to funding availability.
10. Where can applicants get more information?
Students can contact the Emfuleni Local Municipality’s Human Resources or Youth Development Office for updated bursary announcements and application forms.

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